Impressive castle for sale on 72 ha with lake and tennis, Dordogne

Aquitaine, Dordogne

Impressive castle with nowadays comfort without losing its historic charm

LOCATION
Aquitaine, Dordogne, situated in-between Perigueux ( 56kms) and Limoges ( 40 km). The Chateau is located two kilometers Northeast of a small town.

HISTORY
Many parts of the Chateau which remain today date back to the twelfth century.
In the 15th century and again in the 17th century, the castle underwent significant transformations. In 1850, the moats were partially filled and terraces were constructed. A square tower was razed in order to provide the courtyard and the castle more light and views. The drawbridge was replaced by stone.
A number of great historical figures have links with the Chateau. What had previously been a defensive fort became the beautiful, welcoming castle that we know today. Since then, a number of an extremely important exterior and interior restorations have given the castle a new feeling of comfort without losing its historic charm.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The little tree-lane providing access to the Chateau once passed the arched entrance gates with two impressive oak doors that are remotely controlled. The chateau itself comes in the form of an incomplete quadrilateral bordered by dry moats on both sides. The enclosure punctuated by five round towers and a square tower retains its battlements. It is a listed building since 1946.
The robust-looking edifice comprises a square building, spanning three levels. The stone entrance facade is flanked by the square tower and a circular tower. The castle itself has “en pierre“ masonry walls with the stone access bridge across the dry moat now replacing the previous drawbridge leading into the inner courtyard.
The upper part of the castle is equipped with the so-called “machicoulis“ - openings which used to serve for the castle's defense.
From the courtyard, overlooking the parklands and extended by vast meadows; a beautiful setting around this feudal property. Planted with all sorts of trees e.g. tilleuls of over 100 years old, they help to make the premises even more attractive.
To the left, another wing, flanked by four smaller round towers with chestnut wooden tiles as often seen in the region. The courtyard still shows the footprint of the original 2nd square tower and was most likely demolished to create this beautiful views over the countryside.
The current castle is impressive, it dominates the valley below. The unobstructed view stretches for as far as the eye can see over the surrounding countryside. Beautifully restored, it appears to defy time.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CHATEAU
Ground floor: through the glass entrance door you enter the entrance hall with an antique oak stairs going up to the first floor, cloakroom, living room of 100 m2 (small round towers at the four corners) with its monumental granite open fireplace, beamed ceiling, wooden ‘parquet de Limousin’ floor, a large dining room with views into the interior courtyard and the access bridge at the entrance, beamed ceiling and tiled flooring. The dining room gives access to the cozy kitchen, equipped with all modern equipment, and to the breakfast room in the large round tower.

First floor: Gallery, two bedrooms: called “Richard Coeur de Lion" and "Chambre Mauve” each with bathroom en-suite, exposed beams and wooden flooring, both with an open fireplace. Bureau/office on the first floor of the square tower with open fireplace annex the master bedroom en-suite bathroom and walk-in closets.

Second Floor: Oak-tread stairs to the attic. Gallery walkway beautiful exposed beamed ceilings with an antique roof structure, leading to the three additional large bedrooms.

Basement: Wine cellar.

Included in the sale, an existing inventory list of the antique furniture.

OUTBUILDINGS
Antique, wood-fired bread oven
Carports for four cars
Workshop
Caretakers house
Spacious guest house, including a garage and storage rooms and its own access from the public road.
Guesthouse for 6 people
Various forests (coniferous, deciduous and fruit trees), meadows, two lakes, and various small creeks
Garage
Large barn ideal for creating an indoor riding ring.

GROUNDS
72 Ha divided in:
5 Ha of lovely gardens, including a walled-in garden with a pond and fountains (all so elegant and well maintained), and tennis court
Various forests (coniferous, deciduous and fruit trees),
Meadows, partly enclosed with a 2 m high fence with 15 deer
Lake (4000m2)
Various small creeks